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review by Bill Binkelman Pathaan is a UK-based DJ known for infusing world beat and world dance into his mixing on the dance floor at clubs, raves, etc, both in the UK and other locations around the world, e.g. Ibiza, Madrid, Italy, et al. Tandava (the term denotes the "Great Dance" of creation, dissolution and renewal of the Hindu deity Shiva ) is a continuous mix collection of thirteen selections which should appeal to lovers of world fusioun-influenced electronica, e.g. the more ethnic sounding releases from the Waveform label. Several artists on this album are recognizable to me (Govinda, Prem Joshua) but most are not, which doesn't really mean anything except that I don't follow the club/DJ scene as closely as I could. The strengths of the CD are how expertly Pathaan flows one track into another, regardless of stylistic changes (which is, of course, the sign of a good DJ/mixer). Beats vary from spacier (as on the opening "Electric Sheep" by Amniotic) to more frenetic dance beats ("Letting Go [Gaurav Raina Breakz Mix] by Karsha Kale) but most of the rhythms fall in line with dub or other slower sultry variants, such as "You Are We Am i (Red Mix)" by tj Rehmi. While a lot of the music is instrumental on the CD, there are a considerable number of chants, vocals, and wordless singing, so if those aren't your thing, well, you're outta luck. Also, as mentioned above, world fusion/world beat elements abound throughout the CD. However, there is also some cutting edge electronica too, such as the opening of "California Sunshine" (Abakus). For myself, while I admire what this album is all about (bringing a true global perspective to DJ-continuous mix music amidst a amalgam of dub, chill-out, trance, and electronica) only a few songs caused me to sit up and take notice. There's nothing bad or poorly done on Tandava, but frankly I grew tired of the abundance of vocals and too much of the rhythm was anchored in the dub school for my taste. However, if you liked what I have described, this album is a sterling example of how to do it right. Not my cup of tea, but a well-made album nonetheless and one with an encouraging message of international good will through music behind it. |
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